Federal Skilled Worker Program: Beyond the Eligible Occupation List

After almost a year of waiting, the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) will reopen to applicants on May 4th, 2013. In preparation for this date, the Canadian government has announced the full list of criteria for the program. These criteria include an application intake cap of 5,000 in addition to a list of 24 eligible occupations.

Under the FSWP, only applicants who have skills and experience in one of the 24 eligible occupations will be accepted for review. The 24 occupations are explained in the National Occupation Classification (NOC) system. This year, the eligible occupations include (but are not limited to) engineers, computer programmers and interactive media developers, and financial/investment analysts.

It is important for potential applicants to know that, for immigration purposes, the occupation names associated with NOC codes do not tell the whole story. In this article, CIC News goes beyond the basic titles of the 24 occupations to explain in full how an individual may meet NOC criteria for the FSWP.

Eligibility Under an NOC

One requirement for applying under FSWP is to have at least one year of full-time, continuous paid work experience in the past ten years in one of the 24 eligible occupations. The Canadian government officially considers an individual to have worked in a profession if they meet the following two points:

Performed the actions described in the lead statement for the occupation, as set out in the occupational description of the NOC; and

Performed a substantial number of the main duties, including all of the essential duties, of the occupation as set out in the occupational description of the NOC.

NOCs are created with the intent to capture distinct job descriptions and duties. However, in many fields different jobs may have similar responsibilities, and significant overlap can occur.

Oftentimes, a worker may fill a number of similar, but distinct, occupational roles during the course of their professional career. Though their experience may not directly align with an eligible NOC, it may have enough overlap to nonetheless be considered eligible under that NOC. Alternately, an individual may currently work in a non-eligible profession, but have at least one year of previous experience in an eligible NOC within the past ten years. These individuals may still be eligible for application to the FSWP.

One of the 24 eligible occupations for this year’s FSWP is NOC 2174: Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers. At first glance, some information technology professionals may believe that they do not fall under this category. However, a closer inspection shows flexibility in the NOC.

A number of information technology professionals who do not strictly identify as computer programmers may nonetheless carry out duties very similar to the above job description. Many NOCs go so far as to list closely related professions that may be considered as eligible. For NOC 2174, the following related professions are listed:

Computer network technicians

Database analysts and data administrators

E-business managers

Graphic designers and illustrators

Information systems analysts and consultants

Information systems testing technicians

Software engineers and designers

Web designers and developers

Of course, all individuals applying to the FSWP must be prepared to demonstrate how and why their work experience falls under the auspices of a specific NOC.

What this Means for Applicants

Immigration Minister Jason Kenney has promised that individuals whose applications are accepted for review in the FSWP this year will benefit from fast processing times and greater preparedness once they land in Canada.

“The FSWP has been overhauled so that those who receive visas through the program are highly likely to succeed in Canada,” said Attorney David Cohen. “For this reason, I encourage all potentially eligible applicants to speak with a professional to determine their next steps.”

For applicants who do not fall under the 24 eligible occupations, or who are otherwise ineligible for the FSWP, Attorney Cohen reminds them that Canada has over 60 paths to Permanent Residency.

“Canadian immigration policy is constantly changing,” he said. “When one door closes, another door opens. That is why my law firm comprehensively reviews our client’s files for eligibility for every possible immigration option.”

Despite the wide range of open immigration programs, the FSWP remains the most popular path to Canadian immigration. However, regardless of the path applicants choose to obtain Canadian Permanent Residency, they can rest assured that they will arrive in a country that will welcome them with open arms.

To find out if you are eligible to apply to the FSWP or one of over 60 Canadian immigration programs, please fill out a free online assessment today.

Comments

Hi ,I am a Permanent resident in Canada.I landed here in last week of march.My cousin wants me to be in USA for his graduation day.He has sent an invitation to me.Will I get the US visa If i apply.I want to go to USA for 20-25 days and come back to Canada.I am still unemployed. Please reply

I was waiting for a long and prepared myself to apply on 4th of May 2013 but when the 24 occupations list appeared I was very much disappointed and wondered. I am a social worker and my profession in not it list. Now what I will do?

As per mentioned related professions listed in News of “NOC 2174 Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers” ‘Software engineers and designers’ can apply and as per NOC list “Software engineers and designers” includes Software Tester/Quality Analyst.

Does it mean that an individual with skill of “Software Tester/Quality Analyst” can apply for Federal Skilled worker program?

My another question if an individual who is applying, will have to give IELTS exam and will submit result once it was declared OR who is waiting for the Results, are eligible to apply ?

Is this the final list.?
In an announcement in November it was stated that CIC would take 55300 applications under FSWP.
Is there a possibility that there could be another list comprising professionals from Natural Sciences,Pharmacy ,Oil & GAS back ground since as reports say there is huge shortfall for the professionals from these occupations

Hi David. I have been following your website as i am looking to get benefit from FSWP.
I am an engineer having 6+ active software QA experience and currently working Chicago, united states since last 1+ year.

I want to know exactly how your firm can help to file my application if you can or of your firm does this?

I have done MBA (Pharmaceutical management) after B.Pharmacy. And rightnow i am working as senior production supervisor in Pharmaceutical Raw material manufacturing company. As this company and my job work is dealing with chemical processing in this can i eliegible for FSTP in 9212 Supervisors, petroleum, gas and chemical processing and utilities category ?even i have done B.Pharma and MBA Pharma????

I am waiting for your reply. as i regular reader of your website. and fro that i know about beyond the eligible category new.

I have completed MA in hospitality and now want to work in Canada but I did not find my related NOC list so, is it possible to apply through any other rules. I will be happy to receive answer from you.

As per mentioned related professions listed in News of “N 21 Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers” ‘Software engineers and designers’ can apply and as per N list “Software engineers and designers” includes Software Tester/Quality Analyst.
Does it mean that an individual with skill of “Software Tester/Quality Analyst” can apply for Federal Skilled worker program?
My another question if an individual who is applying, will have to give and will submit result once it was declared OR who is waiting for the Results, are eligible to apply ?
Thanks,
Amar Gurung

I am a personal support worker student (International student) I have only 1 year visa, I would like to know if there is anything in favor international students. I have 6 years experience working as a Nurse Assistant in Ireland. I am originally from Mauritius. I am fluent in English and French.
I am presently studying at Conestoga College in Ontario

Hi, I am a resident of India and I am interested in applying for FSW but there are some new chnages in the FSW visa and of them which I want to know more information is about ECA(Educational Credentials Assesment) I completed my graduation in the year 2005 after which the university was laid off, I have my consolidated marks sheet and also the certificate which I received from the university. After that the university is reopened in the year 2012. According to the new rule ECA I think we need to submit our transcripts as we do not have them we tried to contact our university and there is no proper response from them regarding the trancsripts.
My question is that could we submit our Consolidated mark sheet and my Original certificate that I have with me to ECA or is it a mandatory that I have to submit my transcripts from the university. Could you also suggest me what to do next if I am unable to provide transcripts

While Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) will not be accepting applications for the 24 eligible occupations until May 4, 2013, there are some new requirements that applicants can start preparing for, such as language tests and foreign educational credential assessments. The complete application process, featuring the new selection criteria, will be available on CIC’s website by May 4, 2013.

My application was returned 2/3 times due to CAP received.. This time I was prepared all the necessary docs well in advance, but when i’ve seen the occupation list, I just shocked.. I’m in Marketing and Merchandising profession, is there any chance to apply????

While Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) will not be accepting applications for the 24 eligible occupations until May 4, 2013, there are some new requirements that applicants can start preparing for, such as language tests and foreign educational credential assessments. The complete application process, featuring the new selection criteria, will be available on CIC’s website by May 4, 2013.

I am a profession of Hospitality management.I got bachelor degree on it and i am working hotels and restaurants in Cyprus last eight years.Do i have any opportunity to get job in Canada?please explain to me how?

As per mentioned related professions listed in News of “NOC 2174 Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers” ‘Software engineers and designers’ can apply and as per NOC list “Software engineers and designers” includes Software Tester/Quality Analyst.

Does it mean that an individual with skill of “Software Tester/Quality Analyst” can apply for Federal Skilled worker program?

My another question if an individual who is applying, will have to give IELTS exam and will submit result once it was declared OR who is waiting for the Results, are eligible to apply ?

Hi, I came to the U.S. more than 10 years ago on a student Visa but i did not graduate. I completed three years out of four, but did not finish my college degree. Later i obtained a Certified Nurses Assistant license. I worked under such license for a year or longer but did not renew it. Therefore, at that point i decided to pursue a job as a caregiver which i have been doing for the past 5 years. Furthermore, i have fulfilled my language proficiency requirements along with high school validation through BCTI. My question is what are the options for me immigrating to Canada with Permanent Residency?